Watching Swifts – Myth Rating 5 Stars

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Jan 062014
 

Myth 8

Watching Swifts by RJ Askew

Lucy’s Review

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This book is one of those that keeps popping back in your mind. Prose and verse, or verse written as prose entwined with verse.

I was drawn into the mind and world of the swift man. This author has the rare ability to capture his reader with a form of prose which keeps you wanting more. I had to know what happened with him, his antagonist (the female photographer he’s talking to) and the swifts. Yes, the swifts, those lovely birds, the harbingers of summer and hope for better times. When things ended different from any ‘regular’ novel would I was actually glad. I felt happy for the swift man, the swift, and the gardener, I felt sorry for the photographer who inadvertently lost her chance of life anew. Or had she?

The form this novel is written in allows for a play in the head of the reader. It is narration and little dialogue and yet, you can imagine the dialogue that is there nonetheless. A monologue and yet it is not, for he isn’t’t there alone on stage, on the pages, the other characters are there too. Flesh and bone, you care for them, you loath and turn to feel sorry for them. Or even cheer them on.

The language this author uses has a rhyme and a rhythm to it which almost at times feels archaic, yet very now.

It is a book that touched me. It shows feelings, inner turmoil and resolution to be more than one thinks one can ever be. This book is isn’t one to read swift, but to cherish and reread passages, sentences, for they seem to be unlocking emotions and thoughts on a level not many modern day novels do.

I give this book a solid five star classification and recommend it to all readers ready for something literary for a change instead of the usual summer fluff read.

Myth Lucy

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Center Point – Myth Rating 5 Stars

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Jan 052014
 

Myth 8

Center Point by R.M. Clark

 

Danielle’s Review

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R. M. Clark’s debut adult novel, Center Point, is a captivating mystery embroiled in history. Dennis Kozma is a charming young man, given a quest by his dead father to clear his name. Soon, it becomes apparent that there is more to the story than just his father’s good name.The secondary characters are both engaging and diabolical. Dennis’ stepfather, Stan, particularly, is a piece of work.

Clark’s voice is wonderful and make the story a very fast read. If I had one complaint, it was that in areas there seemed to be a little too much Dennis telling us about things when the reader would rather be in the middle of the action.

This is a story not to be ignored though. Full of charm and wit, Dennis is a lovable character.

 

myht danielle
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Jan 032014
 

Myth 8

The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap by Paulette Mahurin

 

Christoph’s Review

 

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“The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap” uses two well-known scandals of 1895 to start off and move along the plot of our protagonists. It is an interesting and skilfully executed set-up, followed by an equally brilliant illustration of how the imprisonment of Oscar Wilde and the anti-Semitism shown in the Dreyfus Affair in France could have been received in a remote and isolated location such as a small town in Nevada. Each chapter is accompanied by a quotation from Oscar Wilde’s work. I am not usually a fan of poetry and themes used as headings, but the author has chosen them appropriately and very well. The description of the setting succeeds effortlessly with just enough detail to make it easy for us to imagine we are there with the heroes, but without overloading us with description that gets in the way of the plot. The portrayal of the times seems also very authentic and the dialogue is also very realistic and flows easily. The way the characters interact with each other is simply brilliantly done and gives the book a lively feeling. The story is much more complex and involved than the beginning and the book title seemed to imply to me – which made this an unpredictable and compulsive reading experience. The book is an illustration of hate, intolerance and gossip in a small community and is kind and politically correct in its message. At a time when Gay Marriage proposals are being voted on all over the world and homophobia comes back into the spotlight of media attention this story is reminiscent of many of our current arguments. At first I found it unbelievable and off-putting that some of the characters would – at that time in history – have the understanding and tolerance as the author attributes to them. Then I realised that the same ancient prejudiced views that haunt our Mildred in the book are still around in 2012. The book is a great piece of work on human nature and I will be recommending it to my friends.

 

Myth Chris
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The Aylesford Skull – Myth Rating 5 Stars

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Jan 022014
 

Myth 8

The Aylesford Skull by James P. Blaylock

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I love steampunk. It’s fun, has that historical element that I enjoy and yet is firmly grounded in fantasy. Who better to highlight as my first review on this site, than one of the grandfathers of steampunk, James P. Blaylock. We had the pleasure of interviewing Jim on the podcast back on Episode 6 and what a great guy, in addition to  being an awesome author. I had just finished The Aylesford Skull and thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, it’s one of my fave books of 2013, so it’s the perfect choice for my review here.

 

Maer’s Review

What an absolutely delightful book from one of the founding fathers of the steampunk genre! With appropriately steampunkish props, St. Ives is back with a new mystery to solve. One that becomes more personal than he’d like. And that’s all I’m saying about the plot, so as not to invoke spoilers.

Blaylock’s writing is elegant. It is reminiscent of the Victorian era, but appeals to modern readers and never becomes stuffy. With touches of humor that actually made me laugh out loud, he has created characters that are rich, complex and easy to fall in love with. Even his supporting cast soon has you rooting for them. The story is fast-paced and the mystery elements work well. Indeed the book itself is a very fast read, which kept me turning those pages.

Overall, the novel is excellent and entertaining and I highly recommend it!

Myth Maer

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Episode 23 – Deborah M. Gray

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Dec 192013
 
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book back photo(2)This episode we take a different turn and explore the world of non-fiction. Our special guest, the awesome Deborah M. Gray, takes us through some of the strategies she used in her own non-fiction work. Deborah found her own niche and has filled it well! Join us as she shares tips and tricks about publishing a “How to” book. How to Import Wine: An Insider’s Guide has been praised not only for its savvy in the wine industry, but for being well-written and easy to understand.

About Deborah M. Gray

Deborah M. Gray, an Australian native, founded her U.S. wine importing company, The Australian Wine Connection, in 1992 with her family’s brand, The Cowra Estate, and a collection of small, family-owned wineries from around Australia, ultimately representing iconic, highly rated brands.

She has been a frequent guest speaker at wine festivals, judged wine competitions and conducted seminars at various events around the country, including Epcot and Disneyland. She served on the first wine board of Austrade in New York, predecessor to Wine Australia. Deborah teaches a course at San Diego State University on Australian Wine as part of a certificate program.

Deborah’s first book on wine importing and distribution, How to Import Wine – An Insider’s Guide, was published by Wine Appreciation Guild in August, 2011. In December, 2011 her book was recognized as “Best U.S. Professional Wine Book 2011” by Gourmand International. In March, 2012, her book was short-listed for “Best World Professional Wine Book 2011,” in Paris, a competition that attracted over 1,000 entries from 168 countries.

Today, the emphasis in her company, Bluestone Wine Solutions, is on consulting and assisting others with their importing needs and portfolios. She is also at work on a second wine business related book.

Read on for more about Deborah and for excerpts from the show…

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Episode 22 – David Farland

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Nov 232013
 
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It’s a real treat to have David Farland on the show this week. He’s a particular favorite of mine, not only because of his awesome writing, but because he is a genuine and generous, all-around good guy. Whether it’s helping out new writers or interacting with his fans, Dave is gracious and fun. Check out his wonderful interview!

About David Farland

David Farland is an award-winning, New York Times best-selling author with over 50 novels in print. He has won the Philip K. Dick Memorial Special Award for “Best Novel in the English Language” for his science fiction novel On My Way to Paradise, and the Whitney Award for “Best Novel of the Year” for his historical novel In the Company of Angels, and the International Book Award for “Best Young Adult Novel of the Year” for his fantasy thriller Nightingale. He is perhaps best known, however, for his epic fantasy series, The Runelords.

Read on for more about Dave’s work and for excerpts from the show!

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Episode 21 – LynDee Walker – Part 2

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Nov 162013
 
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She’s back! That former intrepid reporter, current best-selling author and my good friend, LynDee Walker. And now she’s followed up her smashing debut novel, Front Page Fatality, with another success in her sequel, Buried Leads. Both are from her acclaimed series, A Headline in High Heels Mystery.

 About LynDee Walker

LynDee Walker grew up in the land of stifling heat and amazing food most people call Texas, and wanted to be Lois Lane from the time she could say the words “press conference.” An award-winning journalist, LynDee traded cops and deadlines for burp cloths and onesies when her oldest child was born. Writing the Headlines in High Heels mysteries gives her the best of both worlds. LynDee is a member of Sisters in Crime and James River Writers. BURIED LEADS is her second Headlines in High Heels mystery. Her debut, FRONT PAGE FATALITY, is an amazon multi-chart #1 bestseller. A Headlines in High Heels novella will be in the anthology HEARTACHE MOTEL, on sale Dec. 10, 2013, and the third novel in the series, SMALL TOWN SPIN, is coming in April 2014.

LynDee adores her family, her readers, and enchiladas. She often works out tricky plot points while walking off the enchiladas. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she is working on her next novel. You can find her online in any of the usual social media places or at www.lyndeewalker.com.

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Episode 20: K Latham

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Oct 272013
 
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It’s always fun when I get to interview my friends. Today we welcome the ever-awesome K Latham to the show. Please join us for her interview!

About K Latham

K. Latham was born and raised in East Texas, where she found herself searching for an outlet for her muse.

She tried painting and sketching, yet wasn’t very good. Poetry was fun and helped her mold her vocabulary as well as imagery. Yet, she still felt incomplete.

Finally, she decided to try her hand at writing fiction. Who knew it would be the answer to her dream?

She writes Young Adult Paranormal Romance novels and is a member of the East Texas Writers Association.

Read on for more about K and her novels!

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Oct 092013
 
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Fascinating author Rebecca Trogner joins Carla and Maer for a fun-filled interview about writing and her novel, The Last Keeper’s Daughter.

 

About Rebecca Trogner

Rebecca Trogner lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, and frequently crosses the Blue Ridge Mountains that were the inspiration for Krieger’s home. She always dreamed of being a writer, but got sidetracked by the day-to-day adventures of life. With the encouragement of her family, she has finished her first novel and is currently writing the next book in The Last Keeper’s Daughter series. Rebecca lives with her husband and son, and a rescue dog named Giblet.

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Sep 292013
 
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This episode, we welcome Kary Rader! Author of romance and fantasy, mom, theatre  and all-round terrific person. Kary is the author of Queen of Jastain, A Taylor-Made Life and her current project, Broken.

About Kary Rader

Kary Rader is a stay-at-home mother of three, avid reader and slave to the characters and worlds inside her head. Her book Queen of Jastain, published by Crescent Moon Press released this past April. Kary is currently in the process of self-publishing a book that is close to heart, and is sure to touch the lives of all the readers that encounter it. A Taylor-Made Life released this summer.

Always creative, she’s drawn to stories with fantastical worlds and creatures. With a little bit of magic and divine guidance, there isn’t anything that can’t be accomplished with words. It’s the power of words that creates and destroys.

Vanquishing evil and injustice while finding eternal love in the process is all in a day’s work. And with the help of her critique partners and master cartographer imaginary places come to life.

Read on for more about Kary!

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